Maura Higgins has clashed with ‘insufferable’ Friends star Michael Rapaport on The Traitors US as fans brand her ‘their favourite part of the season’.
The hit reality show returned last week to the States featuring the likes of Shirley Ballas‘ son Mark, Travis Kelce‘s mother Donna and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Rinna.
But it was Love Island star Maura, 35, who has soon become viewers favourites as she had an explosing row during a heated roundtable with outspoken actor Michael Rappaport, 55.
During the third episode, Maura picked up on Michael using the phrase ‘we got rid of’ when referring to murdered contestants, with the Love Island star accusing him of being a Traitor.
‘Why did you say, “we got rid of”? Does that mean you’re a Traitor?’ she said.
Defending himself, Michael said: ‘Let me tell you something, Maura. I’m as faithful as a faithful-‘
Interrupting him, Maura added: ‘Why did you say “we”? We didn’t – the Traitors did.’
Later on, Top Chef star Kristen Kish picked up on Michael’s phrasing again, telling him: ‘You literally said “we”,’ prompting him to reply: ‘And I’ve said a lot of things.’
Maura then muttered: ‘Maybe just stop talking.’
Fans quickly took to X to praise the Irish model for her ‘fiery’ confrontational style, they wrote: ‘Maura being unafraid and standing up to Michael is so far my favoritest part of the new season of #TheTraitorsUS;
‘It was at this moment that Maura Higgins spoke for all of us #TheTraitorsUS;
‘Please stop talking” – Maura. Saying what we all feel about M*chael Ratpopo;
‘Producers probably figured michael rapaport would make for good tv bc he’s so easy to ragebait but he’s actually just ruining this season because he’s quite literally insufferable get him off my screen #TheTraitorsUS.’
Michael is best known for playing Phoebe’s boyfriend Gary on Friends and for roles in My Name is Earl, Justified and Atypical.
Michael often makes headlines for his political views as a pro-Israel advocate and a fierce critique of New York mayor Zohran Mamdani, who he branded ‘a s**t stain’ following his mayoral win.
Fans took to X to praise the Irish model for her ‘fiery’ confrontational style, they wrote: ‘Maura being unafraid and standing up to Michael is so far my favoritest part of the new season’
It comes after Maura revealed her gameplan for The Traitors US, saying: ‘Well, I’m starting off wearing a cape. So… I’m hoping I’m a Traitor and I hope to kill everyone one by one.
‘If someone comes for me at the round table, God love them. Sounds a bit traitor-y to me. I speak my mind. I’m not really a shadow kind of girl.’
Laughing, she added: ‘That sounded really devious, didn’t it?’
During the episode, the reality star rocked a daring dark green latex catsuit which featured a short cape.
In June 2025, it was reported that Maura had agreed to appear on The Traitors US in her bid to crack America.
A source told The Sun at the time: ‘Maura is becoming a huge star across the pond and her slot on The Traitors is just part of that.
‘The future is bright – and has stars and stripes.’
Having shot to stardom during series five of Love Island alongside Tommy Fury and Molly-Mae Hague, Maura first appeared on American television in 2023.
She made her return to Love Island becoming the social media presenter for Love Island USA and the Love Island Games.
Just a year later, Maura bagged the role as host of Love Island USA: Aftersun, becoming an instant hit with viewers.
Maura’s decision to relinquish this role reportedly came as she was unable to continue due to scheduling conflicts.
But the long-standing Love Island favourite insisted it’s not the end of her affiliation with the show.
In a video announcing her replacement would be Australian Love Island presenter Sophie Monk, Maura said: ‘Don’t get too comfy, I’m coming back.’
Hosted by Alan Cumming, the Stateside version of The Traitors has primarily cast already-known figures to play the game.
This contrasts the UK version, which has mostly seen civilians enter the castle with the first-ever celebrity edition released in late 2025.
However, The Traitors US is set to have its first fully civilian version, which was first announced in August 2025.
In 2024, Maura was a late entrant into I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here, arriving alongside Reverend Richard Coles.
She joined fellow celebrity campmates including Coleen Rooney, Corrie star Alan Halsall, Strictly legend Oti Mabuse and the eventual winner, McFly’s Danny Jones.
Following the show, Maura bagged a host of brand deals including one worth six figures with cosmetics brand L’Oreal.